Special-document discriminating apparatus and managing system for image forming apparatus having a special-document discriminating function

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a special-document discriminating apparatus used for providing a counterfeit preventing function to a digital copy machine and the like, and to a managing system for an image forming apparatus having a special-document discriminating function. The special-document discriminating apparatus is provided with a ROM for discriminating a special-document such as paper money, which ROM is detachably attached to a controlling circuit board. Data used for determination may be learned from test pattern data input from the image forming apparatus, or the data may be input from an external unit via a communication line. The managing system for an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming apparatus and a managing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. Either the image forming apparatus or the managing apparatus has a special-document discriminating function. Additional information is sent from the image forming apparatus together with determination result information or detected data. Information used as reference for determination may be sent from the managing apparatus to the image forming apparatus.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/211,433,filed on Apr. 11, 1994, now abandoned, which was filed as PCTapplication PCT/JP93/01069 on Jul. 29, 1993.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a special-document discriminatingapparatus used for providing a counterfeit preventing function to adigital copy machine and the like, and to a managing system for an imageforming apparatus having a special-document discriminating function.

2. Background of the Related Art

In recent years, color copy machines have been generally used. In thecolor copying technology, the image processing technique has been highlydeveloped, and thus a precise copy, which cannot be distinguished fromthe original, can be obtained even for paper money having a complexdesign. To this end, in order to prevent counterfeiting, an apparatuswhich discriminates a special document such as a bill of paper money andprohibits copying when an original is determined to be the specialdocument has been developed.

A special-document discriminating apparatus is described, for example,in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2-83571. The apparatusdescribed in the literature is adapted to discriminate aspecial-document using the pattern matching method. That is, a patternof an image input to the apparatus is compared with preregisteredpattern data in the apparatus, and it is determined whether or not theinput image pattern corresponds to the registered pattern. Thepreregistered pattern is a pattern of a document (such as a sheet ofpaper money) of which duplication is prohibited.

Additionally, another apparatus is described in Japanese Laid-OpenPatent Application No. 2-210591, which apparatus performs adiscrimination similarly to the above mentioned apparatus. In thisapparatus, an approximate position of a document (in this case, a sheetof paper money) is determined first by detecting a watermark of thedocument (paper money). The exact position and the angle of the papermoney is then determined by detecting the four corners of the papermoney sheet. Thereafter, the degree of resemblance is obtained by meansof pattern matching in accordance with image data of the paper money andthe registered pattern data, and thus it is determined whether or notthe document is a predetermined document of which duplication isprohibited.

In the above-mentioned conventional apparatuses, when new paper money isissued, new pattern data corresponding to the newly issued paper moneymust be added to the registered paper money pattern data. In order toachieve this, it is required to replace the paper money discriminatingapparatus itself or the controlling circuit board of the paper moneydiscriminating apparatus is replaced with a new one. That is, when newpaper money is issued, a maintenance person must make a visit to thesite where the copy machine is installed so as to replace the papermoney discriminating apparatus or the controlling circuit board thereof.This replacing work requires a large amount of labor and man-hours.Accordingly, there is a problem in that when new paper money is issued,a high maintenance cost is created for maintaining paper moneydiscrimination apparatuses.

Additionally, since the above-mentioned conventional image formingapparatuses are in standalone form, only the act of duplication isprevented when a duplication of a paper money and the like is attempted,and thus the level has not been reached where a counterfeit is preventedbeforehand or tracing of a counterfeit product can be performed bymanaging counterfeit information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel anduseful special-document discriminating apparatus and managing system foran image forming apparatus having a special-document discriminatingfunction.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide aspecial-document discriminating apparatus in which discriminationinformation can be easily added.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a managing systemwhich can effectively prevent counterfeiting performed by duplicating aspecial document by remotely managing image forming apparatuses byutilizing a communication line.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, according to thepresent invention there is provided a special-document discriminatingapparatus, connected to an image forming apparatus, which determineswhether or not image data input from the image forming apparatuscorresponds to a predetermined special-document, the special-documentdiscriminating apparatus comprising:

storing means, detachably attached to a controlling circuit board, forstoring discriminating information used for determining whether or notthe input image data corresponds to a special-document;

determining means for determining whether or not the input image datacorresponds to the special-document in accordance with thediscriminating information supplied by the storing means, and outputtingthe result of the determination to an external unit; and

operation prohibiting means for outputting a signal used for prohibitingthe operation of the image forming apparatus when the storing means isnot attached to the controlling circuit board,

wherein the storing means is replaced with another one so that thediscriminating information is changed.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, since discriminationinformation of a new special-document can be added or changed by merelyreplacing the storing means, there is no need to replace the whole ofthe controlling circuit board.

There is provided a special-document discriminating apparatus, connectedto an image forming apparatus, which determines whether or not imagedata input from the image forming apparatus corresponds to apredetermined special-document, the special-document discriminatingapparatus comprising:

storing means, detachably attached to a controlling circuit board, forstoring discrimination information used for determining whether or notthe input image data corresponds to a special-document;

determining means for determining whether or not the input image datacorresponds to the special-document in accordance with thediscrimination information supplied by the storing means, and outputtingthe result of the determination to an external unit; and

new paper money learning means for extracting the discriminationinformation of the special-document, when a predetermined signal isinput, from the image data input from the image forming apparatus, andinputting the discrimination information to the storing means.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the data used for thedetermination can be input to the storing means from the image formingapparatus, and thus there is no need to replace any parts when changingthe discrimination information. A test pattern having features of thespecial-document may be used for inputting the data for thedetermination.

There is provided a special-document discriminating apparatus, connectedto an image forming apparatus, which determines whether or not imagedata input from the image forming apparatus corresponds to apredetermined special-document, the special-document discriminatingapparatus comprising:

storing means, detachably attached to a controlling circuit board, forstoring discrimination information used for determining whether or notthe input image data corresponds to a special-document;

determining means for determining whether or not the input image datacorresponds to the special-document in accordance with thediscrimination information supplied by the storing means, and outputtingthe result of the determination to an external unit; and

communication controlling means for receiving the discriminationinformation from an external unit via a communication line, andoutputting the discrimination information to the storing means.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the discriminationinformation can be input from an external unit to the storing means viathe communication controlling means, and thus time and labor spent onchanging the discrimination information can be reduced.

There is provided a managing system for an image forming apparatuscomprising an image forming apparatus and a managing apparatus placed ata position remote from the image forming apparatus and connected withthe image forming apparatus via a communication line, the image formingapparatus comprising:

detecting means for detecting features of a predeterminedspecial-document from image data of an original;

determining means for determining whether or not the originalcorresponds to the predetermined special-document in accordance with thedetection result obtained by the detecting means; and

sending means for sending, when the original is determined to correspondto the predetermined special-document by the determining means,determination result information to an external unit.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, unlawful acts such asduplication of a special-document performed at a plurality of imageforming apparatuses can be monitored by the remotely placed managingapparatus. The determination result information may include additionalinformation including at least one of date and time of image forming,serial number, image forming operation mode and history of image formingoperation within a predetermined period, so that an efficient managementcan be performed. Additionally, the managing apparatus may comprisemeans for sending to the image forming apparatus an operationprohibiting signal for prohibiting operation of the image formingapparatus in accordance with the determination result information, and acancellation signal for canceling the prohibition of the operation.

There is provided a managing system for an image forming apparatuscomprising an image forming apparatus and a managing apparatus placed ata position remote from the image forming apparatus and connected withthe image forming apparatus via a communication line, wherein

the managing apparatus comprises discriminating means for discriminatinga predetermined special-document; and

the image forming apparatus comprises detecting means for detectingfeatures of a predetermined special-document from image data of anoriginal; and

wherein the detection result obtained by the detecting means is sent tothe managing apparatus; the discriminating means determines whether ornot the original corresponds to the predetermined special-document inaccordance with the detection result; and the determination result issent to the image forming apparatus.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, since the discriminatingmeans is provided to the managing apparatus, there is no need to providethe discriminating means to each image forming apparatus, and thus themanufacturing cost is reduced. Additionally, the managing apparatus maycomprise means for sending to the image forming apparatus an operationprohibiting signal for prohibiting operation of the image formingapparatus in accordance with the determination result information, and acancellation signal for canceling the prohibition of the operation.

There is provided a managing system for an image forming apparatuscomprising an image forming apparatus and a managing apparatus placed ata position remote from the image forming apparatus and connected withthe image forming apparatus via a communication line, the image formingapparatus comprising:

detecting means for detecting features of a predeterminedspecial-document from image data of an original;

determining means for determining whether or not the originalcorresponds to the predetermined special-document in accordance with acomparison performed on the detection result obtained by the detectingmeans and a predetermined threshold level value; and

sending means for sending, when the original is determined to correspondto the predetermined special-document by the determining means,determination result information to an external unit,

wherein the managing apparatus comprises means for sending a signal usedfor changing the threshold level value to the image forming apparatus.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, discrimination of thespecial-document is performed in accordance with the predeterminedthreshold value, and the level of the determination can be determined bythe threshold value. The managing apparatus may comprise means forsending to the image forming apparatus an operation prohibiting signalfor prohibiting operation of the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the determination result information, and a cancellation signal forcanceling the prohibition of the operation.

There is provided a managing system for an image forming apparatuscomprising an image forming apparatus and a managing apparatus placed ata position remote from the image forming apparatus and connected withthe image forming apparatus via a communication line, wherein

the image forming apparatus comprises:

detecting means for detecting features of a predeterminedspecial-document from image data of an original;

determining means for determining whether or not the originalcorresponds to the predetermined special-document in accordance with acomparison performed on the detection result obtained by detecting meansand a predetermined threshold level value;

means for inputting identification information of an operator operatingthe image forming apparatus;

sending means for sending, when the original is determined to correspondto the predetermined special-document by the determining means,determination result information to an external unit; and

adding means for adding additional information associated with the imageforming operation and the identification information of the operator tothe determination result information.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, counterfeit copying canbe managed for each user (operator), and thus if a counterfeit copy hasbeen performed, tracing investigation can be easily conducted. Themanaging apparatus may comprise means for sending to the image formingapparatus a signal used for changing at least one of the predeterminedthreshold level value and an image quality setting value of the imageforming apparatus, according to the identification information of theoperator.

There is provided a managing system for an image forming apparatuscomprising an image forming apparatus and a managing apparatus placed ata position remote from the image forming apparatus and connected withthe image forming apparatus via a communication line, wherein

the image forming apparatus comprises:

a plurality of detecting means for detecting features of a predeterminedspecial-document from image data of an original by comparing the imagedata with a registered image pattern;

determining means for determining whether or not the originalcorresponds to the predetermined special-document in accordance with theresult obtained by the detecting means; and

sending means for sending, when the original is determined to correspondto the predetermined special-document by the determining means,determination result information to an external unit,

wherein the managing apparatus comprises means for sending informationused for changing the image pattern to the image forming apparatus.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the special-documentwhich is prohibited to be duplicated is detected by comparing theoriginal with the registered image pattern. It is determined whether ornot the original corresponds to the special-document. The registeredpattern such as a picture or a pattern is set to a pattern matchingdata, and the pattern matching data can be easily changed by themanaging apparatus.

There is provided a managing system for an image forming apparatuscomprising an image forming apparatus and a managing apparatus placed ata position remote from the image forming apparatus and connected withthe image forming apparatus via a communication line, wherein

the image forming apparatus comprising:

detecting means for detecting features of a predeterminedspecial-document from image data of an original;

determining means for determining whether or not the originalcorresponds to the predetermined special-document in accordance with thedetection result obtained by the detecting means; and

sending means for sending, when the original is determined to correspondto the predetermined special-document by the determining means, imagedata corresponding to a predetermined portion of the original to themanaging apparatus.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, since the image datacorresponding to a predetermined portion of the original is sent to themanaging apparatus when the original is determined to correspond to thepredetermined special-document, tracing investigation can be easilyconducted when a counterfeit copy is used.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a structure of an image forming apparatusin which a first embodiment of a special-document discriminatingapparatus according to the present invention is incorporated.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a structure of an image forming apparatusin which another embodiment of a special-document discriminatingapparatus according to the present invention is incorporated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a structure of an image forming apparatusin which another embodiment of a special-document discriminatingapparatus according to the present invention is incorporated.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a structure of a managing system of a PPC(copy machine) according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of thecommunication control unit shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the managingapparatus shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a general structure of the main CPUexcluding an image processing unit of the PPC.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a structure of an IPU, a CPU used asan IPU and peripheral components thereof.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment having a counterfeitpreventing circuit and a determining circuit which determines a whetheror not a counterfeit is being made.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment including a counterfeitpreventing circuit and only a detecting circuit which detects a patterncomparison result provided for determining whether or not a counterfeitis being made.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are timing charts showing operations of a CPU used asan IPU, a main CPU and a managing apparatus of an embodiment of amanaging system of an image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention; FIG. 11A shows a case where a determination indicates that nocounterfeiting is being conducted; FIG. 11B shows a case where thedetermination indicates that counterfeiting is being conducted.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are timing charts showing operations of a CPU used asan IPU, a main CPU and a managing apparatus of an embodiment of amanaging system of an image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention; FIG. 12A shows a case where a determination indicates that nocounterfeiting is being conducted; FIG. 12B shows a case where thedetermination indicates that counterfeiting is being conducted.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are timing charts showing operations of a CPU used asan IPU, a main CPU and a managing apparatus of an embodiment of amanaging system of an image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention; FIG. 13A shows a case where a determination indicates that nocounterfeiting is being conducted; FIG. 13B shows a case where thedetermination indicates that counterfeiting is being conducted.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are timing charts showing operations of a CPU used asan IPU, a main CPU and a managing apparatus of an embodiment of amanaging system of an image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention; FIG. 14A shows a case where a determination indicates that nocounterfeiting is being conducted; FIG. 14B shows a case where thedetermination indicates that counterfeiting is being conducted.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are timing charts showing operations of a CPU used asan IPU, a main CPU and a managing apparatus of an embodiment of amanaging system of an image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention; FIG. 15A shows a case where a determination indicates that nocounterfeiting is being conducted; FIG. 15B shows a case where thedetermination indicates that counterfeiting is being conducted.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are timing charts showing operations of a CPU used asan IPU, a main CPU and a managing apparatus of an embodiment of amanaging system of an image forming apparatus according to the presentinvention; FIG. 16A shows a case where a determination indicates that nocounterfeiting is being conducted; FIG. 16B shows a case where thedetermination indicates that counterfeiting is conducted.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a structure of a specific patternsection I and a specific pattern section II corresponding to thedetecting circuit I and the detecting circuit II, respectively, shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a structure of a part which performsa data transfer to the managing apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a structure of a part which performsa data transfer to the managing apparatus in a managing system accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an operation of a managing system, accordingto the present invention, for image forming apparatuses.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a structure of an embodiment of an imageforming apparatus managing system according to the present invention inwhich embodiment a prohibition of operation can be withdrawn by means ofremote control.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a structure of an embodiment in whichthe image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 30 performs a temporarywithdrawal of a prohibition of an operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 1, of a firstembodiment of a special-document discriminating apparatus according tothe present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a structure of animage forming apparatus in which the first embodiment of aspecial-document discriminating apparatus according to the presentinvention is incorporated.

The image processing apparatus (copy machine) comprises: a scanner unit101 scanning an original to be copied; image processing unit 102processing image data; and a printer unit 103 printing an image inaccordance with the image data from the image processing unit 102. Thescanner unit 101 supplies the scanned data to the image processing unit102 as image data. The image processing unit 102 applies, for example,shading, gamma-correction and a gradation processing to the image datasupplied by the scanner unit 101. The image data processed by the imageprocessing unit 102 is output to the printer unit 103, and then an imagecorresponding to the image data is, for example, printed on a recordingpaper.

This image forming apparatus is also provided with a paper moneydiscrimination controlling circuit board 104 corresponding to aspecial-document discriminating apparatus according to the presentinvention. The controlling circuit board 104 receives the image data viathe image processing unit 102 so as to determine whether or not theoriginal corresponding to the image data is a sheet of paper money.

The paper money discriminating circuit board 104 comprises an imagememory 106, a ROM 107, an interface 108, a CPU 109, a RAM 110 andanother interface 111. The image memory 106 receives and stores theimage data via a bus 105, and also stores data and/or software necessaryfor determining whether or not the input image data corresponds to papermoney.

The ROM 107 is detachably attached on the controlling circuit board 104via the interface 108 which may be a typical IC connector. The ROM 107stores a program (software) used for discriminating a paper money. TheCPU 109 determines whether or not the image data corresponds to papermoney in accordance with the program. The CPU 109 and the ROM 107 areinterconnected via the bus 105 and the interface 108. The RAM 110 is amemory for a working area for the CPU 109.

The results of the determination performed on the image data by the CPU109 are output to a main controlling unit (not shown ) of the imageforming apparatus via the interface 111.

A description will now be given of an operation performed by theabove-mentioned image forming apparatus.

Prior to a copying operation, it is determined whether or not the ROM107 is mounted via the interface 108 on the paper money discriminationcontrolling circuit board 104. If it is determined that the ROM 107 isnot mounted on the controlling circuit board 104, the entire function ofthe image forming apparatus cannot be effective, and thus no copyingoperation can be performed. The determination whether or not the ROM 107is mounted may be performed by electrically checking if the ROM 107 isconnected, or may be performed by checking if a predetermined data(magic number) is stored in a predetermined address of the ROM 107. Theimage data scanned by the scanner unit 101 is supplied to a shading,T-correction and degradation process, and copied on a recording sheet inthe printer unit 103.

On the other hand, the image data scanned by the scanner unit 101 issent simultaneously to the controlling circuit board 104 from the imageprocessing unit 102. The determination is then performed whether or notthe image data corresponds to paper money. There is no specificlimitation to the determining method performed by the paper moneydiscrimination controlling circuit board 104. For example, similarly tothe conventional apparatus, the determining method may be such a methodin which a degree of resemblance is obtained by means of patternmatching in accordance with the image data and pattern data registeredin the ROM 107 so as to determine whether or not the originalcorresponds to paper money.

The CPU 109 generates a paper money signal when the image data isdetermined to correspond to paper money, and otherwise generates anon-paper-money signal. These signals are sent via the interface 111 tothe controlling unit of a main unit of the image processing apparatus.The controlling unit stops the copying operation when the paper moneysignal is input so that unlawful duplication of paper money isprevented. When the non-paper-money signal is input indicating that theoriginal does not correspond to a paper money, the copying operationcontinues.

When adding discrimination information caused by an issue of new papermoney, only the ROM 107 (old ROM) is removed from the interface 108, andreplaced with a ROM (new ROM) in which information for the new papermoney is stored. As mentioned above, the paper money discriminationcontrolling circuit (special-document discriminating apparatus) whichhandles new paper money can be easily constructed by merely replacingthe ROM 107. Therefore, as compared to the conventional way in which thewhole apparatus is replaced, the modification for coping with new papermoney can be done at a reduced cost.

The fact that the ROM 107 can be easily removed involves a risk that acopy of a paper money can be performed by removing the ROM 107. However,in the present embodiment, the copy machine does not operate at all whenit is determined that the ROM 107 is not mounted, and thus such risk canbe eliminated.

Additionally in other case such as when a new discrimination method isestablished, augmentation and alteration of the method can be easilyperformed, and thus it is useful for improvement of the discriminationaccuracy.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 2, of a secondembodiment of a special-document discriminating apparatus according tothe present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a structure of animage forming apparatus in which a second embodiment of aspecial-document discriminating apparatus according to the presentinvention is incorporated.

In the present embodiment, a paper money discrimination controllingcircuit board 201 is used instead of the controlling circuit board ofthe first embodiment mentioned above. The paper money discriminationcontrolling circuit board 201 comprises: a VRAM 202 which stores datanecessary for discriminating input image data; a CPU 109 performing thediscrimination; and a new paper money learning unit 203 which learns newpaper money information from the input image data and stores it in theVRAM 202. Additionally, an operational unit 204, comprising for examplea keyboard, is provided for assigning a new paper money learning mode.Other structures are the same as that of the first embodiment mentionedabove, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

A description will now be given of a new paper money learning operationof the second embodiment. When new paper money is issued, in the secondembodiment, features of the new paper money are learned using a testpattern for new paper money learning in the new paper money learningmode. The test pattern for new paper money learning is, for example, apattern in which only the red seal portion of the Japanese Yen bill isprinted. The reason that such a test pattern is used is that merelyplacing new paper money on a contact glass of a copy machine forobtaining new paper money information is construed as an unlawful act.

In the new paper money learning operation, the test pattern is placed byan operator in a predetermined position of the scanner unit 101, and thenew paper money learning mode is assigned via the operational unit 204.The test pattern has features necessary only for learning the new papermoney. By using the test pattern, new paper money information can beinput without reading of the true paper money by the scanner 101. Thatis, the learning operation can be performed without having the risk ofcommitting an unlawful duplication of new paper money.

When the learning mode is assigned, the new paper money learning unit203 learns automatically the new paper money information from the imagedata (i.e., data having features necessary only for learning the newpaper money) input by the scanner unit 101, and the information isstored in the RAM 202. At this time, the VRAM 202 may overflow if thecapacity thereof is small. In such a case, the new paper moneyinformation may be registered by deleting the registered informationcorresponding to the oldest paper money. Alternately, the lowest valuepaper money may be deleted.

As mentioned above, in the second embodiment, since the new paper moneyinformation can be learned using the test pattern, it is able to handlethe new paper money at a reduced cost without replacing the apparatus.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 3, of a thirdembodiment of a special-document discriminating apparatus according tothe present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a structure of animage forming apparatus in which a third embodiment of aspecial-document discriminating apparatus according to the presentinvention is incorporated.

In the present embodiment, a paper money discrimination controllingcircuit board 301 is used instead of the controlling circuit board 104of the first embodiment mentioned above. The paper money discriminationcontrolling circuit board 301 comprises: a VRAM 302 which stores datanecessary for discriminating input image data; a CPU 109 performing thediscrimination; and a communication controlling unit 303 which storesnew paper money information input from an external device in the VRAM302. Other structures are the same as that of the first embodimentmentioned above, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

A description will now be given of an inputting operation of the newpaper money information in the third embodiment mentioned above. Whennew paper money is issued, in the third embodiment, the new paper moneyinformation is sent to the new paper money discrimination controllingcircuit board 301 via a communication network (such as a telephonenetwork). When the new paper money information is input, thecommunication controlling unit 303 connected to the communicationnetwork adds the new paper money information to the contents of the VRAM302. At this time, the VRAM 302 may overflow if the capacity thereof issmall. In such a case, the new paper money information may be registeredby deleting the registered information corresponding to the oldest papermoney. Alternately, the lowest value paper money information may bedeleted.

As mentioned above, in the third embodiment, by inputting the new papermoney information to the special-document discriminating apparatus froma remote location using the communication network, it is able to handlethe new paper money at a reduced cost without replacing the apparatus.

In the above-mentioned third embodiment according to the presentinvention, individual special-document discriminating apparatuseslocated in remote places are connected using the communication network.Such a system in which the special-document discriminating apparatus anda managing apparatus are connected to each other is capable of havingvarious functions other than remote inputting operation of the new papermoney. Example of the functions are described below.

A description will now be given of a structure of an image formingapparatus managing system according to the present invention, in whichimage forming apparatus a special-document discriminating apparatus isincorporated. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a structure of a PPC (copymachine) 120 and a managing system thereof. The PPC 120 comprises a CPU120a, a communication interface 120b and an AC power source controllingunit 120c. One or more PPCs 120 are connected to a communicationcontrolling unit 121. A telephone unit 122 is connected to eachcontrolling unit 121. Each communication controlling unit 121 isconnected to a central managing apparatus 126 located in a remote placevia switching units 123 and 125.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a structure of the communicationcontrolling unit 121. The communication controlling unit 121 comprises:interfacing circuit 121a interfacing between the power sourcecontrolling unit 120c of each PPC 120 and the CPU 121b; a CPU 121bcontrolling each unit in the communication controlling unit 121; a modem121c connecting the telephone unit 122 and telephone line 124 to the CPU121b; and ROMs 121d and 121e connected to the CPU 121b. Thecommunication controlling unit 121 performs TTL level serialcommunication with each PPC 120 via the interfacing circuit 121a.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a structure of the managing apparatus 126.The managing apparatus 126 comprises a modem 126a, a telephone unit126b, a host computer 126c, a memory 126d connected to the host computer126c, a printer 126e, a display 126f and a keyboard 126g. The modem 126ais connected to the telephone line 124 so as to receive signals via thetelephone line 124. The modem 126 is also connected to the telephoneunit 126b and the host computer 126c.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a general structure of the main CPU of thePPC 120 excluding an image processing unit. The main CPU 401 isconnected via an A/D converter 403 with a group of sensors 402 includingvarious sensors such as a photosensitive electric potential sensor, a Psensor, an ADS sensor, a light amount sensor, a drum current sensor andfixation thermistor. The A/D converter 403 converts analog signals inputfrom the group of sensors 402 into digital signals. An operational unit404 comprising a memory clear DIPSW, person presence detecting sensorand a remote communication controlling DIPSW is connected to the mainCPU 401 via an IN port 405. Additionally, an operational unit 404ahaving a display panel is connected to the main CPU 401 via an OUT port405a. Controlling signals are sent to the operational unit 404a via theOUT port 405a.

The main CPU 401 is connected to: a communication interface 406performing communication with the communication controlling unit 121; acommunication interface 407 performing communication with the CPU 120a;an optical system controlling unit 408 controlling an exposure lamp 409performing exposure; a high voltage power source unit 410 controllingcharging means 411 including a static charger, a separation charger, atransfer charger, a PTC and a development bias; a motor controlling unit412 controlling a main motor; a heater controlling unit 44 controlling afixing heater 415; printer controlling unit 416 controlling a printer417; a sensitivity controlling unit 418 controlling a group of sensors419 such as a P sensor, an ADS sensor and a light amount sensor; a timer420; a RAM 421 (comprising a calendar IC and having a real-time clock)function; and a ROM 422.

In the above-mentioned structure, the main CPU 401 controls variouscontrolling operations such as an operational mode control, paperconveying control, process control for the photosensitive drum, variouscondition setting operation control for special-documents such as apaper money or securities. Additionally, the main CPU 401 performsselection processing with regard to communication with the communicationcontrolling unit 121 and the managing apparatus 126 so thatcommunication of commands is handled by the main CPU and communicationof image data is handled by the IPU.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a structure of the CPU for the IPU shown inFIG. 7, which CPU is serially connected to the main CPU, and peripheralcomponents thereof. In FIG. 8, a CCD 501 scans an original to generateimage data, and an A/D converter 502 converts analog image informationoutput from the CCD 501 into digital image information. A colorcorrecting/processing circuit 503 performs color correction and colorprocessing on signals R, G, B output from the A/D converter 502. Aselector 504 selectively outputs signals BK, C, M, Y supplied by thecolor correcting/processing circuit 503. A memory 505 temporarily storesthe signals output from the selector 504. An LD driving circuit 506drives a laser diode 506a in accordance with signals output from thememory 505.

An extracting circuit 507 extracts a specific pattern from the R, G, Bsignals output from the A/D converter 502. A detection circuit I 508determines whether or not the specific pattern (pattern of aspecial-document) read out from a specific pattern section I coincideswith the pattern read out by the extracting circuit 507. That is, thedetecting circuit I 508 determines whether or not the input image datacorresponds to a special-document such as paper money. A memory 510stores the R, G, B signals output from A/D converter 502. An extractedcolor processing selecting and synthesizing circuit 511 extracts the R,G, B signals output from the memory 510, and applies a color processingand selectively synthesizes them. A detection circuit II 512 determineswhether or not the signal output from the extracted color processingselecting and synthesizing circuit 511 coincides with the specificpattern (pattern of a special-document) read out from a specific patternsection II 513. That is, the detecting circuit II 512 determines whetheror not the input image data corresponds to a special-document such aspaper money. A data buffer 514 for controlling the detection circuitstores result information of the detection from the detection circuit II512. ROMs 515 and 516 and a CPU 517 used as IPU are connected via a busto a communication interface 518 so as to communicate with the main CPU401.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which two detection circuits (508 and 512)are provided. The detection result output from each detection circuit isstored in a control data buffer 514 connected to a data bus provided forthe CPU 517 used as IPU. Accordingly, the detection results indicatingwhether or not counterfeiting has occurred are sent to the CPU 517 viathe data bus. Additionally, the detection results can be transferred toan external device through the telephone line 104 via the data bus andthe communication interface 518.

The specific pattern section 509 corresponding to the detection circuitI 508 stores image pattern data of a predetermined portion of specialsecurities. The image data is input to the extracting circuit 507 inreal time during an image forming operation. When the extracting circuitextracts a specific pattern, the image data and the specific patternstored in the specific pattern section I 509 are input to the detectioncircuit I 508 in synchronization with each other. That is, this processis a rapid detecting process which can determine whether or not theimage data corresponds to a special-document together with and withoutdelaying the image forming operation.

The specific pattern section II 513 (comprising an EEPROM or anon-volatile RAM) stores image pattern data corresponding to apredetermined portion of specific securities. The hardware structure ofthe specific pattern section II 513 is substantially the same as that ofthe specific pattern section I 509. Scanning of the original isperformed independently of the image forming operation, and image datais temporarily stored in the memory 510. Thereafter, the image data issubject to extracted color processing and synthesizing by the extractedcolor processing selecting and synthesizing circuit 511. The image datais also subject to arithmetic processing so that the image data has aformat similar to that of recognition data in the specific patternsection II 513, and then the data is stored in the detection circuit II512. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, although the circuit 511 isindependently provided, the circuit 511 may be incorporated into thehardware for the image forming operation. It should be noted that byusing detection circuit 512, the arithmetic processing can be performedwithout synchronizing with a series of image forming processes. Due tothis, a time spent on the detection is long, however, the detectionaccuracy increases as compared to a case where a time is spent for thepattern matching performed by the detection circuit I 508.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment having a determining circuit 601 fordetermining whether or not counterfeiting is performed as well as acounterfeit preventing circuit. In this embodiment, determination leveldata is sent to a CPU 517 from the main CPU 401 by means of serialcommunication. Data from an extracting circuit 507 and a specificpattern section 609 are input to a detection circuit 608, and comparedwith each other. The result is output to the determining circuit 601.The determining circuit 601 determines whether or not the detectionresult indicates a counterfeit, according to the determination level.The determination result information is transferred to the main CPU 401via an interface 518. Other components are the same as that shown inFIG. 8, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment having only a detection circuit 708 whichdetects a pattern comparison result for determining whether or notcounterfeiting is performed, as well as a counterfeit preventingcircuit. Data from the extraction circuit 507 and a specific patternsection 709 are input to the detection circuit 708, and compared witheach other. The result is output to a buffer 701. The data temporarilystored in the buffer 701 is transferred to the main CPU 401 via theinterface 518. The main CPU 401 or the managing apparatus 126 determineswhether or not counterfeiting is being performed in accordance with thetransferred result. Other components are the same as that shown in FIG.8, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 11A and 11B through FIGS. 16A and 16B show timing charts showingoperations of the CPU 517 used as an IPU, the main CPU 401 and themanaging apparatus of the embodiments mentioned above. Each figure withthe suffix A shows a case where a determination indicates that nocounterfeiting is being conducted; each figure with the suffix B shows acase where the determination indicates that counterfeiting is beingconducted.

FIGS. 17 through 24 are flow charts showing operations shown in FIGS.11A and 11B through FIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11Aand 11B. When a copying operation is started, it is determined, in step1401 (hereinafter step is abbreviated S), whether or not a counterfeitflag is set to "1". If it is determined that the counterfeit flag is notset to "1", it is determined, in S1402, whether or not data to be sentfrom the IPU is present. If it is determined that the data is present,the data is stored, in S1403, in a memory. Thereafter, it is determined,in S1404, whether or not counterfeiting is being conducted. If it isdetermined that a counterfeit is conducted, the counterfeit flag is set,in S1405, to "1", and then an inputting operation of the counterfeitdata to the managing apparatus 126 is started in S1406. In S1407, it isdetermined whether or not the managing apparatus 126 is communicatingwith other devices. If it is determined that the managing device is notcommunicating with other devices, a communication is performed in S1408.The counterfeit flag is then set to "0" in S1409, and then the routinereturns to the first step. If it is determined, in S1401, that thecounterfeit flag is "1", the routine proceeds to S1407 so that thecommunication is immediately performed. Additionally, if it isdetermined, in S1402, that no data to be sent is present, if it isdetermined, in S1404, that no counterfeiting is being conducted, or ifit is determined, in S1407, that the managing apparatus 126 iscommunicating with other devices, the routine also returns to the firststep.

The description "the managing apparatus is communicating with otherdevices" refers to the communication line being in the "busy" state.Additionally, when the counterfeit flag is "1", the determinationrepresents that a counterfeit is conducted, while when the counterfeitflag is "0", the determination represents that no counterfeit isconducted.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 12Aand 12B. When a copying operation is started, it is determined, in stepS1501, whether or not a counterfeit data flag is set to "1". If it isdetermined that the counterfeit data flag is not set to "1", it isdetermined, in S1502, whether or not data to be sent from the IPU ispresent. If it is determined that the data is present, it is determined,in S1503, whether or not the data corresponds to data to be detected asa counterfeit. If it is determined that the data is to be detected ascounterfeit, the counterfeit detecting data is stored in a memory.Thereafter, an operation of sending the counterfeit detecting data tothe managing apparatus is started in S1505. The counterfeit data flag isset, in S1506, to "1", and then it is determined, in S1507, whether ornot the managing apparatus 126 is communicating with other devices. Ifit is determined that the managing device is not communicating withother devices, a communication is performed in S1508. The counterfeitdata flag is then set to "0" in S1509, and then the routine returns tothe first step. If it is determined, in S1501, that the counterfeit dataflag is "1", the routine proceeds to S1507 so that the communication isimmediately performed. Additionally, if it is determined, in S1502, thatno data to be sent is present, if it is determined, in S1503, that thedata does not correspond to the counterfeit detecting data, or if it isdetermined, in S1507, that the managing apparatus 126 is communicatingwith other devices, the routine also returns to the first step. Theabove-mentioned counterfeit data flag represents a request flag forrequesting a transfer of the determination result to the managingapparatus 126.

In the communication process in the above mentioned steps S1408 orS1508, when transferring the determination result or counterfeitdetecting data to the managing apparatus 126, additional data such asdata for user identification, copy mode, time, serial number, copy modebefore a predetermined number of copies, may be transferred together.These data are stored in a NVRAM connected to the main CPU 401. Theattribute data, counterfeit flag and counterfeit data flag aremaintained even if power of the image forming apparatus is turned off.It should be noted that this operation corresponds to the embodimentsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B and FIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are flow charts of operations of embodiments in whichoperations the determination is performed in accordance withdetermination level data (threshold level value) sent from the managingapparatus 126. In S1601, an initial operation is performed, and then itis determined, in S1602, whether or not a communication with themanaging apparatus 126 can be performed. If it is determined that thecommunication can be performed, a serial number (status) is sent, inS1603, to the managing apparatus. In an operation shown in FIG. 20, itis determined, in S1702, whether or not the determination level data hasbeen received. If it is determined that the determination level data hasnot been received, it is determined, in S1702, whether or not a requestfor transfer has been made by the managing apparatus 126. If it isdetermined that the request has been made, it is determined, in S1703,whether or not the determination level data is present. If it isdetermined that the determination level data is present, thedetermination level data is stored, in S1704, to a memory, and theoperation proceeds to a regular waiting state. If it is determined, inS1701, that the determination level data has been received, theoperation immediately proceeds to the regular waiting state. On theother hand, if it is determined, in S1702, that the request has not beenreceived, or it is determined, in S1703, that the determination leveldata is not present, the operation returns to the first step.

By performing the above-mentioned operations shown in FIGS. 19 and 20,the image forming apparatus sends the status data such as a serialnumber to the managing apparatus 126 when power is turned on, and thestate of the image forming apparatus proceeds to the regular waitingstate after receiving from the managing apparatus 126 the determinationlevel data (threshold level value) corresponding to its status data. Thereception of the determination level data can be made at another time.In such a case, the operation can be performed in the same way as theregular operation of transferring the status data between the managingapparatus 126 and the PPC 120.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show operations of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A and14B. When the operation shown in FIG. 21 is started, it is determined,in S1801, whether or not a request for data transfer has been made bythe managing apparatus 126. If it is determined that the request hasbeen made, it is determined, in S1802, whether or not a copyingoperation prohibiting command is present. If it is determined that thecopying operation prohibiting command is present, a prohibiting processfor an image forming operation is performed in S1803. It is determined,in S1804, whether or not the image forming apparatus is in an imageforming operation. If it is determined that the image forming apparatusis not in an image forming operation, interruption of the image formingoperation is executed in S1805. A guidance message is displayed, inS1806, which shows prohibition of a copy and the reason for theprohibition. It should be noted that transferring to the managingapparatus is the same as in the operation shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Ifit is determined, in S1804, that the image forming apparatus is in animage forming operation, the operation immediately proceeds to S1806where the guidance message is displayed, informing of prohibition ofcopy and the reason for the prohibition. If it is determined, in S1801,that the request has not been made, or if it is determined, in S1802,that the copying operation prohibiting command is not present, theoperation returns to the first step.

When the operation shown in FIG. 22 is started, it is determined, inS1901, whether or not a request for data transfer has been made by themanaging apparatus 126. If it is determined that the request has beenmade, it is determined, in S1902, whether or not the copying operationprohibition cancel command is present. If it is determined that thecopying operation prohibition cancel command is present, a cancellationprocess for the prohibition of an image forming operation is performedin S1903. Thereafter, a guidance message is displayed informing that animage forming operation can be performed.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show operations of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A and16B. It is determined, in S2001, whether or not an identification codeis set. If it is determined that the identification code is set, it isdetermined, in S2002, whether or not the identification code isacceptable. That is, a determination is made in the image formingapparatus as to whether or not the identification code corresponds toone of preset identification codes. If it is determined that theidentification code is acceptable, it is determined, in S2003, whetheror not a communication can be performed with the managing apparatus 126.If it is determined that the communication can be performed, theidentification code is transferred to the managing apparatus in S2004.If it is determined, in S2001, that the identification code is not set,if it is determined, in S2002, that the identification code is notacceptable, or if it is determined, in S2003, that a communication withthe managing apparatus cannot be performed, the operation returns to thefirst step.

When the operation shown in FIG. 24 is started, it is determined, inS2101, whether a request for data transfer has been made by the managingapparatus 126. If it is determined that the request has been made, it isdetermined, in S2102, whether or not set data is present. The set datarefers to data representing: necessity of activation of detecting means;selection of detecting means if there is a plurality of detecting means;a threshold value of the determining means; and setting of the imagequality. If it is determined that the set data is present, the set datais stored, in S2103, to a memory, and then an image forming operation isallowed to be performed in S2104. If it is determined, in S2101, thatthe request has not been made by the managing apparatus, or if it isdetermined, in S2102, that the set data is not present, the operationreturns to the first step.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a structure of the specific patternsection I 509 and the specific pattern section II 513 corresponding tothe detection circuit I and the detection circuit II, respectively. Thespecific pattern sections I or II comprise: a plurality of serial NVRAMs2201; a NVRAM controlling unit 2202 for controlling the NVRAMs 2201; aFIFO memory 2203; and a FIFO controlling unit 2204 for controlling theFIFO memory 2203. The NVRAMs 2201 store pattern data transferred fromthe managing apparatus 126 to the PPC 120 via the communicationcontrolling unit 121. The FIFO memory 2203 is provided to synchronizeoutput timing of extracted pattern data and specific pattern data whenperforming an image forming operation. Each NVRAM 2201 comprises anEEPROM-SRAM pair. When the specific pattern data is rewritten in theNVRAM, serial data transferred via the NVRAM controlling unit 2202 iswritten in the EEPROM according to addresses therein. When the power isturned on, the pattern data is set in the SRAM (data in the EEPROM isread into the SRAM) by means of a recall command, and a synchronizationis established between the detection circuit I 508 and the detectioncircuit II 513 by means of the FIFO memory 2203. Bit data required forthe specific pattern sections I and II varies depending on documents(securities) to be discriminated.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a structure of a portion performingtransfer of data to the managing unit 126. A data compression unit 2301receives signals from the extracted color processing selectingsynthesizing circuit 511, and compresses them. A memory 2302 storesoutput from the data compression unit 2301. A work RAM 2303 is connectedto the data compression unit 2301. A parallel/serial converter 2304converts output parallel data from the memory 2302 into serial data.

In the above-mentioned structure, when a specific pattern is recognized,single color data, that is, one among Y, M, C and BK, is sent to thedata compression unit 2301 so that the single color data is compressed(binarized), which color data is synthesized from image data of R, G, Bin the memory 510 by the extracted color processing selectingsynthesizing circuit. The compressed data is stored in the memory 2302,and then output after being converted into serial data by theparallel/serial converter 2304. As shown in FIG. 27, in each of theabove-mentioned embodiments, the main CPU 401 on the PPC 120 sideperforms a protocol arbitration for the communication for the image dataand command data through a serial channel 2401.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing an operation for performing a protocolcommunication between the managing apparatus and the image formingapparatus. It is determined, in S2501, whether or not a request for datatransfer has been made by the managing apparatus 126. If it isdetermined that the request has been made, it is determined, in S2502,whether or not pattern data is present. If it is determined that thepattern data is present, it is determined, in S2503, whether or notpattern format data has been received. If it is determined that thepattern format data has been received, format data indicating datacapacity, for example, is transferred, in S2502, to the IPU. Thereafter,the serial channel 2401 is switched to the CPU 517 used as an IPU, andit is then determined, in S2506, whether or not a request for transferhas been made by the IPU. If it is determined that the request has beenmade, it is determined, in S2507, whether or not a pattern datareception end command is present. If it is determined that the commandis present, the serial channel 2401 is switched, in S2508, to the mainCPU 401.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an operation of determining of an unlawfulcopying operation to outputting of the result to the managing apparatus.When this operation is started, it is determined, in S2601, whether ornot a counterfeit flag is set to "1". If it is determined that thecounterfeit flag is not set to "1", it is determined, in S2602, whetheror not transfer data from the IPU is present. If it is determined thatthe transfer data is present, the transfer data from the IPU is storedin a memory, and it is then determined, in S2604, whether or not thedata indicates a counterfeit. If it is determined that the dataindicates a counterfeit, the counterfeit flag is set, in S2605, to "1",and then the data is set, in S2606, in the managing apparatus 126.Thereafter, it is determined, in S2607, whether or not the managingapparatus 126 is communicating with other devices, that is, whether ornot the managing apparatus 126 is in the "busy" state. If it isdetermined that the managing apparatus is not communicating with otherdevices, a communication process is performed in S2608. Thereafter, itis determined, in S2609, whether or not image data has been transferred.If it is determined that the image data has been transferred, serialdata from the IPU is transferred to the managing apparatus 126. That is,single color data is compressed and output in serial form. On the otherhand, if it is determined that the image data has already beentransferred, the serial channel 2401 is switched, in S2611, from the CPU517 used as an IPU to the main CPU 401. The counterfeit flag is thenset, in S2612, to "0".

A description will now be given of a managing system in whichprohibition of operation can be canceled by means of remote control whenthe image forming apparatus is in an inoperable state due to a reasonsuch as that a counterfeit is detected. Due to canceling of prohibitionof operation by means of remote control, it is not necessary for atechnician to make a visit to a location where the image formingapparatus is installed so as to directly operate the image formingapparatus, and thus the operability is improved.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a structure of the managing system.In the managing system, a managing apparatus 2701 comprises a keyboard2701a, a display 2701b, a printer 2701c, a memory 2701d, a host computer2701e, a telephone unit 2701f and a modem 2701g. An image formingapparatus 2702 comprises communication means 2702a, recovery means 2702band image forming means 2702c. The modem 2701g of the managing apparatus2701 is connected to the communication means 2702a via a telephone line2703. The communication means of the image forming apparatus 2702 isalso connected to a telephone unit 2704.

In the above-mentioned structure, it is assumed that the image formingunit 2702 failed in the image forming operating prohibition state, andit is desired to return to the operable state. In such a case, a signalfor canceling prohibition of operation is input to the host computerusing the keyboard 2701a of the managing apparatus 2701. The inputsignal is processed by the host computer so as to be a cancel signal,and output to the modem 2701g. The cancel signal is then sent from themodem 2701g to the communication means 2702a of the image formingapparatus 2702a via the telephone line. The cancel signal is input tothe recovery means 2702b from the communication means 2701, and therecovery means cancels the image forming operation prohibition state ofthe image forming means 2702c.

FIG. 31 shows a structure in which the image forming apparatus 2702 ofthe above-mentioned system can temporarily cancel the prohibition ofoperation. An image forming apparatus has the same construction as thatof the image forming apparatus 2702 except for an additional temporaryrecovery means 2802b and operational unit 2802d. Other component partsare the same as the parts shown in FIG. 30 and are given the samereference numerals as those shown in FIG. 30, and descriptions thereofwill be omitted.

In the image forming apparatus 2802, when the cancel signal is sent tothe communication means 2702a via the telephone line 2703, the cancelsignal is input to the temporary recovery means 2702c. The temporaryrecovery means 2702c temporarily releases the image forming apparatusfrom the image forming operation prohibition state under a specificcondition. Additionally, the image forming apparatus 2802d is providedwith an operational unit 2802d, and the image forming apparatus is alsoreleased from the operation prohibition state by inputting the cancelsignal to the recovery means 2701a via the operational unit 2802d.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosedembodiments, and variations and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

We claim:
 1. A special-document discriminating apparatus, connected toan image forming apparatus, which determines whether or not image datainput from the image forming apparatus corresponds to a predeterminedspecial-document, the special-document discriminating apparatuscomprising:storing means, detachably attached to a controlling circuitboard such that the storing means can be independently detached from thecontrolling circuit board, for storing discriminating information usedfor determining whether or not the input image data corresponds to aspecial-document; determining means for determining whether or not theinput image data corresponds to the special-document in accordance withthe discriminating information supplied by said storing means, andoutputting the result of the determination to an external unit; judgingmeans for judging whether or not said storing means is attached to saidcontrolling circuit board; and operation prohibiting means foroutputting a signal used for prohibiting the operation of said imageforming apparatus when said judging means judges that said storing meansis not attached to the controlling circuit board, wherein said storingmeans is separated from said determining means provided on thecontrolling circuit board, and is replaced with another one so that onlythe discriminating information is changed to new discriminatinginformation.
 2. The special-document discriminating apparatus as claimedin claim 1, further comprising:communication controlling means forreceiving the discrimination information from an external unit via acommunication line, and outputting the discriminating information tosaid storing means.
 3. The special-document discriminating apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said storing means is a ROM package attachedto said controlling circuit board via a socket, and said judging meansjudges whether or not said ROM package is effectively attached to saidsocket.
 4. The special-document discriminating apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising new paper learning means for extracting thediscrimination information of the special-document, when a predeterminedsignal is input, from the image data input from the image formingapparatus, and inputting the discrimination information to said storingmeans.
 5. The special-document discriminating apparatus as claimed inclaim 4, wherein an original used for generating image data, when saidpredetermined signal is input, is a test pattern having only featuresnecessary for discriminating the special-document, and said new papermoney learning means comprises test pattern learning means forextracting the discrimination information from the image data accordingto said test pattern.